Wallowa County announced a confirmed case of COVID-19 this morning. Additional details about the individual will not be provided. This marks the second case for Wallowa County, although the first case is a resident but not currently located within Wallowa County. Union County remains at a total of three confirmed cases. Statewide confirmed cases have increased to 1,239. Of this total, 812 have not been hospitalized. Oregon Health Authority is not providing information regarding the total number of recovered cases in Oregon.
In a press conference this afternoon, Governor Brown announced Oregon statewide public school closures will be extended through the remainder of the school year. Parents who have not yet contacted their child’s school to make arrangements for at-home learning are encouraged to do so.
Spring temperatures are forecast to continue warming in the area this week. Mental health experts recommend fresh air and time in nature, but this needs to be balanced with physical distancing. Oregonians should take advantage of local outdoor opportunities while adhering to restrictions and guidelines in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, Union County Search and Rescue are all volunteers and many are engaged in the COVID-19 response. Please be careful while recreating in the outdoors.
Citizens are encouraged to engage in healthy stress-relieving activities. Here are some suggestions from Eastern Oregon University President, Tom Insko. https://www.facebook.com/eoupresident/videos/822631441583218/